Dispensing applicator for fluids

ABSTRACT

A single-piece, injection molded, hand-held liquid dispensing applicator. The single-piece applicator comprising a source of fluid and a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source. When the frangible applicator tip is broken, the fluid flows from the source to an absorbent member attached to the applicator tip to spread the liquid on a surface. The frangible tip may comprise a support element permanently connected to the fluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element, and a frangible region therebetween. The tongue element may comprise ribs for reinforcement. The frangible tip may comprise a semi-permeable or non-permeable cover to control the speed and direction of the dispersion of the fluid. The dispensing applicator may be used in various medical applications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority from,U.S. Ser. No. 13/306,681 for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS, filedNov. 29, 2011, which is a continuation of, and claims priority from,U.S. Ser. No. 11/740,910 for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS, filedApr. 26, 2007, and now U.S. Pat. No. 8,083,425, which is acontinuation-in-part of, and claims priority from, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/138,142 for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS,filed May 26, 2005, and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,811, the entire contentsof each of which are incorporated herein fully by reference, AND thisapplication is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority from, U.S.Ser. No. 12/596,103 for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS, filed Jan.4, 2011, which is a continuation of, and claims priority from, U.S. Ser.No. 11/740,920 for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS, filed Apr. 27,2007, and now U.S. Pat. No. 8,186,897, which is a continuation-in-partof, and claims priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/138,142 for a DISPENSING APPLICATOR FOR FLUIDS, filed May 26, 2005,and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,811, the entire contents of each of whichare incorporated herein fully by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed in general to a device for swabbing asurface (e.g., skin) that is gripped by a user at one end and has asponge or absorbent material at the other end. Further, the presentinvention is directed to such device for swabbing a surface having asource of a fluid (e.g., disinfectant or medicament) in communicationwith the sponge or absorbent material. Specifically, the presentinvention is directed to such a fluid-containing device for swabbing asurface further having an internal means that may be fractured orseparated for the purpose of allowing the fluid to flow from the fluidsource to the sponge or absorbent material. Further, the presentinvention is directed to such a fluid-containing means for swabbing asurface further having an anvil structure internal to thefluid-containing means with any of a variety of configurations forcausing the fracture of the fracture means.

For illustration purposes, the present invention is described herein asembodied in a hand-held dispensing applicator configured with atube-like handle as a fluid source and a sponge-like applicator head, itbeing understood, however, that its broader aspects the invention is notlimited thereto but may also be embodied in other forms of dispensingapplicators.

Description of the Related Art

Applicators consisting of a wooden or plastic tube having a bud ofcotton on one or both ends, are widely used for numerous purposes, suchas the topical application of substances to the human body. A demandexists for a product of this kind, which serves not only as anapplicator, but also as a container for substances that are to beapplied to the human body. To be practical, such a device would have tohave a manually frangible portion that can readily be broken, while atthe same time being so constructed so as to prevent inadvertentfracture. An applicator of this nature would be useful for numerouspurposes.

Prior dispensing applicators allow an excess amount of fluid to flow tooquickly, and the fluid tends to pool on the surface. Depending upon thefluid being dispensed, such pooling can lead to patient discomfort,chemical burns, and even electrical shock if the dispensed fluid comesinto contact with electrical leads attached to the patient's body.

Moreover, in prior art dispensing applicators, the dispensed fluid tendsto accumulate at the rear-most portion of the absorbent member, which isclosest to the fluid source, instead of preferably evenly spreadingthroughout the absorbent member. As the volume of the dispensed fluidgradually increases at the rear portion of the absorbent member, thefluid begins to uncontrollably drip, thus, causing substantialinconvenience to a user.

Accordingly, a need exists for a dispensing applicator overcoming theabove-identified drawbacks of the known related art. In particular, afurther need exists for a hand-held dispensing applicator that has asimple structure allowing the practitioner to deliver fluid to thesurfaces to be treated in a controllable manner. Another need exists fora dispensing applicator that has an easily actuatable structurerequiring minimal application of manual force. Further, a need existsfor a hand-held dispensing applicator that has a structure minimizinguncontrollable distribution of fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, an embodiment of the present inventionprovides a hand-held dispensing applicator comprising a source of fluid,a frangible applicator tip attached to the fluid source, and anabsorbent member attached to the frangible applicator tip. When thefrangible applicator tip is broken, fluid flows from the source to theabsorbent member, whereby the fluid is applied and spread on a surface.Preferably, the fluid is applied and spread on a surface in a controlledamount. Preferably, the fluid source is in the shape of a hollow tubecontainer that is integrally formed, as a single piece, from arelatively rigid synthetic resinous material. Preferably, the frangibleapplicator tip comprises a support element permanently connected to thefluid source, a relatively rigid tongue element extending outwardly ofthe support element at an end of the container, and a frangible regiontherebetween. Extending through the support element is a fluid conduitthat is open at the end attached to the fluid source and sealed by thetongue element at the end attached to the absorbent member. Bydeflecting the tongue element relative to the support element, with aforce of substantially predetermined magnitude, the frangible regionbetween the tongue and support elements will fracture, therebypermitting fluid to flow from the fluid source through the conduit, andinto the attached absorbent member. Preferably, the tongue elementcomprises ribs for reinforcing the tongue element to resistunintentional breaking of the frangible region. More preferably, theapplicator tip comprises a semi-permeable or non-permeable coverdisposed around the frangible region to control the speed and directionof the dispersion of the fluid in the absorbent member.

In another embodiment, the dispensing applicator comprises a mountingbody which has a stem piece extending from a mounting body top part, anda lower body part which carries at an underside of the latter, anabsorbent applicator. An elongated fluid container having a first endthat is attachable at a second opposite end thereof, and with a snapfit, in the stem piece. Optionally, threading of the first end of thefluid container may be used to secure to the stem piece. The containerincludes a frangible region remote from said first end, and a rigidtongue element extends longitudinally from the frangible region, a tipend of the tongue element defining the container's opposite second end.

A fracture anvil is preferably disposed in the stem piece. To fracturethe container frangible region in order to release fluid therefrom andinto the absorbent applicator, a relative movement between thecontainer, i.e., the tongue element thereof, and the fracture anvil iseffected. This is done with the tongue element in contact with thefracture anvil. The contact and relative movement produce the rupture ofthe frangible region, and, more specifically, at the joinder location ofthe tongue element and frangible region.

In one form, the fracture anvil is a cylindrical body having a cruciformpassage extending therethrough and which receives the flat blade-liketongue element. In a second form, the fracture anvil is a cylindricalbody having a partial or one-half cruciform passage extendingtherethrough and which receives the flat blade-like tongue element. Byeffecting a relative rotation between the fracture anvil and thecontainer, the fracture of the frangible region results. Optionally, thecruciform passage may extend completely through the fracture anvil, ormay only extend partially through the fracture anvil.

In another form, the fracture anvil is a cylindrical body having apartial cruciform, partial semi-circular passage (e.g., see FIG. 42A)extending therethrough and which receives the flat blade-like tongueelement. By effecting a relative rotation between the fracture anvil andthe container, the partial fracture of the frangible region results.Optionally, the partial cruciform, partial semi-circular passage mayextend completely through the fracture anvil, or may only extendpartially through the fracture anvil.

In still another form, the fracture anvil is a truncated cylinderreceived in the stem piece. By urging the container axially into thestem piece and against an inclined end face of the fracture anvil, thetongue element is deflected laterally from its normal disposition tocause the rupture at the joinder location thereof with the remainderfrangible region. With the joinder structure ruptured, the fluidcontents release from the container. Flow gutters or channels aredefined in the fracture anvil to insure free contents flow from thecontainer past or through the fracture anvil to the absorbentapplicator. The arrangement of the tongue element and its structure isdesigned such as to allow retention of at least one ribbon residuematerial connecting the tongue element to the frangible regionprecluding passing of the tongue element into a contents flow channelwherein it could impede or block flow to the absorbent applicator.

A further feature provides a snap fit cap fitted on an opposite contentsfilling end of the container opposite the tongue member end, andprovided with a seal that excludes any possible and contaminating airpresence in the contents at the container end. Optionally, the cap maybe screwed on or permanently affixed with glue or some other adhesive.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained byreference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations ofthe accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated preferred embodimentis merely exemplary of methods, structures and compositions for carryingout the present invention, both the organization and method of theinvention, in general, together with further objectives and advantagesthereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings andthe following description. The drawings are not intended to limit thescope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in theclaims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify andexemplify the invention. For a more complete understanding of thepresent invention, reference is now made to the following drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing applicator according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the dispensing applicator ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a preferred applicator tip for thedispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a side of the applicator tip of FIG. 3A wherein the frangibleregion is broken;

FIG. 3C is a top plan view of the applicator tip of FIG. 3B whereinapertures are formed in the broken frangible region;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a first preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a second preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a third preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a fourth preferred tongue member for anapplicator tip for the dispensing applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view of a dispensing applicatorconstructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic view illustrating two positions of thedispensing applicator of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a dispensing applicatorstructured in accordance with a further embodiment of the presentinvention and showing a side cross-sectional view of the applicator tip;

FIG. 7 is a perspective detail view of an applicator tip for use in adispensing applicator according to the present invention having asemi-cover surrounding the frangible portion to control the speed anddirection of the dispersion of the fluid into the absorbent member.

FIG. 8 is a top cross-sectional view of a further aspect of anembodiment of an applicator according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of another aspect of an embodimentof the dispensing applicator configured with a collecting and guidingmeans for minimizing unintended evacuation of fluid via a proximal endof a fluid absorbent member enabling a preferred directional fluid flow;

FIG. 10A is a side sectional view of still another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10B is a rear sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a side cross-sectional view of another dispensing applicatoraccording to the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a side cross-sectional view of a further aspect of anembodiment of the dispensing applicator according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a left front side perspective view of another embodiment ofdispensing applicator wherein a fluid containing source is receivablyattachable to an applicator mounting body stem piece in snap fitconnection therewith, initiation of fluid flow being effected with arelative rotational movement between the fluid source container and afracture anvil in the mounting body;

FIG. 13 is a right side exploded view of the dispensing applicator shownin FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the fluid source container, the containerbeing closed at one end, an attachment body being located remote fromsaid container at one end, a frangible length region including a tongueelement extending longitudinally from said attachment body;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the applicator portion in thecircle area 15 of FIG. 14, the tongue element being separated a distancefrom the attachment body frangible region so that the fluid containercontents outflow apertures produced when the tongue element is fracturedfrom the frangible length region can be seen;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a fractureanvil shown in the circle area 16 in FIG. 13 of a fracture anvilremovably inserted in an applicator mounting block part of theapplicator head, the fracture anvil having a cruciform passage forreception of the fluid source container tongue element, the fractureanvil being employed to effect fracture of the frangible region-tongueelement joinder on a relative rotatable movement between said containerand said fracture anvil;

FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the fracture anvil taken alongthe line 17-17 in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an exploded left bottom side perspective view of the mountingblock which receives an absorbent applicator at a block bottom side;

FIG. 19 is a left side view partly in section, partly in cross-section,of the mounting block, the absorbent applicator being affixed at theblock bottom side, and an absorbent swab member being affixed to a blockfront side adjacent to said bottom side, the fluid source containerbeing depicted in position just before the tongue carrying end thereofis inserted into the mounting block;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of an upper inlet part of themounting block stem piece indicated in the circle 20 portion in FIG. 19,there being an annular slot inside and adjacent entry to the upperinlet, said slot defining a detent for retaining a flange on thecontainer to effect snap fit of the container to the applicator mountingbody.

FIG. 21 is a left side view similar to FIG. 19 showing the mountingblock with the tongue element positioned in the cruciform passage of thefracture anvil in pre-fracture condition, the container being snapfitted to the mounting block;

FIG. 22 is a cross-section view taken on the line 22-22 in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 21 but showing the post fractureposition of the fracture anvil, which has been rotated approximatelyninety degrees from the position it occupied in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a cross-section view taken on the line 24-24 in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 23 except it is more broken away todepict how on occurrence of fracture of the frangible piece fluid startsto flow from the apertures at the fracture point and disperses throughthe absorbent applicator;

FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 but showing a more profuse flow offluid occurring following fracturing of the frangible piece;

FIG. 27 is a left side view of the applicator dispenser depicting theorientation of the mounting block to present an absorbent swab to aposition for use thereof;

FIG. 28 is a right side exploded perspective view of another embodimentof a dispenser employing a fracture anvil for fracturing the tongueelement at its joinder point with the frangible length thereby toinitiate release of the container contents into the absorbentapplicator;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a fragmentary length portion of thecontainer in half section taken on line 29-29 in FIG. 28 depicting themanner of the capping of the container contents filling end;

FIG. 30 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of severalcomponents embodied in the capped end structure of the container;

FIG. 31 is a fragmentary perspective view of the applicator tongueelement carrying end in circle portion 31 of FIG. 28, depicting thetongue element as fractured separated from the frangible section solelyfor the purpose of illustrating the apertures from which container fluidcontents issue therefrom into the absorbent applicator, it beingunderstood that in the embodiment where the tongue element is fracturedwith urging against a fracture anvil, it is preferable that the tongueelement on fracturing, have retained structure by which it remainsattached to the frangible length while still allowing meaningful fluidcontents flow;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a fracture anvil shown in circle 32 ofFIG. 28, depicting detail of a first form of truncated cylindricalfracture anvil wherein a flat chord face is formed in the anvilcylindrical periphery to define with an inner encircling wall face ofthe stem piece, a flow channel in the mounting block through which thefluid contents communicate from the ruptured container to the absorbentapplicator;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a second form of fracture anvil isprovided with a gutter-like fluid contents flow channel at itscylindrical periphery;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a third form of fracture anvil whereinits periphery is provided with plural gutter-like fluid contents flowchannels at its cylindrical periphery;

FIGS. 35-37 are side views partly in sections of the applicator showingthe urging direction travel of the container to engage the tongueelement against the inclined end fracture face of the fracture anvil toeffect fracture of the tongue element at its joinder to the frangiblesection, the moved fractured position of the tongue element beingdepicted in dashed lines, and the release of fluid flow about thesecurely retained but fractured section;

FIG. 38 shows a top cross-section view of an alternative construction ofa dispenser system containing a head member secured to a dispensingfluid container and surrounded by a foam dispersing member;

FIG. 39 shows a side of the dispenser system of FIG. 38 during use;

FIG. 40 shows a side partial cross-section view of the dispenser systemof FIG. 38;

FIG. 41A is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a mountingblock for a fluid dispensing applicator according to the invention whichreceives an absorbent applicator at a block bottom side;

FIG. 41B is a cross-section view taken along the line 41B-41B in FIG.41A;

FIG. 41C is a cross-section view taken along the line 41C-41C in FIG.41A;

FIG. 42A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a fractureanvil for being removably inserted in an applicator mounting block partof the applicator head, the fracture anvil having a partial cruciform,partial semi-circular passage for reception of the fluid sourcecontainer tongue element, the fracture anvil being employed to effectpartial fracture of the frangible region-tongue element joinder on arelative rotatable movement between said container and said fractureanvil;

FIG. 42B is a cross-section view of the fracture anvil taken along theline 42B-42B in FIG. 42A;

FIG. 43 is an exploded left front side perspective view of anotherembodiment of a dispensing applicator wherein a fluid containing sourceis receivably attachable to an applicator mounting body stem piece insnap fit connection therewith, initiation of fluid flow being effectedwith a relative rotational movement between the fluid source containerand a fracture anvil in the mounting body;

FIG. 44 is a cross-section view taken along the line 44-44 in FIG. 43showing relative position of the tongue member within the partialcruciform, partial semi-circular passage of the fracture anvil;

FIG. 45 is an exploded left bottom side perspective view of stillanother embodiment of a dispensing applicator wherein a fluid containingsource is receivably attachable to an applicator mounting body stempiece in snap fit connection therewith, initiation of fluid flow beingeffected with a relative rotational movement between the fluid sourcecontainer and a fracture anvil in the mounting body, and further showinga dye packet assembly having top and bottom diffusers and a dye tablet;

FIG. 46 is a cross-section view taken along the line 46-46 in FIG. 45showing the partial cruciform, partial semi-circular passage of thefracture anvil therein;

FIG. 47 is a top plan view of the assembled dispensing applicator shownin FIG. 45;

FIG. 48 is a cross-section view of the assembled fluid dispensingapplicator taken along the line 48-48 in FIG. 47;

FIG. 49A is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of adiffuser element for the dye packet assembly showing the internalconfiguration thereof;

FIG. 49B is a bottom plan view of the diffuser element shown in FIG.49A;

FIG. 49C is a cross-section view of the diffuser element taken along theline 49C-49C in FIG. 49B;

FIG. 50 is an exploded left front side perspective view of still anotherembodiment of a dispensing applicator wherein a fluid containing sourceis receivably attachable to an applicator mounting body stem piece insnap fit connection therewith, initiation of fluid flow being effectedwith a relative rotational movement between the fluid source containerand a fracture anvil in the mounting body;

FIG. 51 is a cross-section view taken on the line 51-51 in FIG. 50showing the partial cruciform, partial semi-circular passage of thefracture anvil;

FIG. 52 is a side perspective view of the assembled dispensingapplicator shown in FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is a cross-section view of the assembled fluid dispensingapplicator taken along the line 53-53 in FIG. 52;

FIG. 54A is an elevated perspective view of still another alternativeembodiment of an assembled dispensing applicator wherein a fluidcontaining source is receivably attachable to an applicator mountingbody stem piece in snap fit connection therewith, initiation of fluidflow being effected with a relative downward movement between the fluidsource container and a fracture member in the mounting body;

FIG. 54B is an exploded left front side perspective view of thedispensing applicator shown in FIG. 54A wherein a fluid containingsource is receivably attachable to an applicator mounting body stempiece in snap fit connection therewith, initiation of fluid flow beingeffected with a relative downward movement between the fluid sourcecontainer and a fracture member in the mounting body;

FIG. 54C is a side cross-section view of the assembled dispensingapplicator of FIG. 54A taken along the line 54C-54C;

FIG. 54D is a front cross-section view of the assembled dispensingapplicator of FIG. 54A taken along the line 54D-54D;

FIG. 55 is an elevated perspective view of an embodiment of a fluiddispersing head for use with the fluid dispensing applicator accordingto an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 56A is a side view of the fluid dispersing head of FIG. 55;

FIG. 56B is a top plan view of the fluid dispersing head of FIG. 55;

FIG. 56C is a front cross-section view of the fluid dispersing head ofFIG. 55 taken along the line 56C-56C in FIG. 56A further showing therelative position of an applicator tip member and fracture member withinthe fluid dispersing head;

FIG. 56D is a left side cross-section view of the fluid dispersing headof FIG. 55 taken along the line 56D-56D in FIG. 56B further showing therelative position of an applicator tip member and fracture member withinthe fluid dispersing head;

FIG. 57 is a bottom view of the fluid dispersing head of FIG. 55;

FIG. 58A is a top end plan view of an alternative embodiment of anapplicator mounting block according to the invention having an openingon one side for the dispersing of fluid to only one side of a fluiddispensing head;

FIG. 58B is a first side view of the applicator mounting block of FIG.58A showing no opening for dispersing fluid to the fluid dispersinghead;

FIG. 58C is a second side view of the applicator mounting block of FIG.58A;

FIG. 58D is a third side view of the applicator mounting block of FIG.58A showing the opening for dispersing of fluid to the fluid dispersinghead;

FIG. 58E is a bottom end view of the applicator mounting block of FIGS.58A-D showing the partial cruciform, partial semi-circular passage ofthe fracture anvil;

FIG. 59 shows a perspective view of the dispensing applicator accordingto another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 60 shows a partial exploded perspective view of the dispensingapplicator shown in FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 shows a side elevation plan view of the dispensing applicatorshown in FIG. 59, without the applicator sponge;

FIG. 62 shows a top plan view of the dispensing applicator shown in FIG.61;

FIG. 63 shows a front cross-sectional view of the dispensing applicatorshown in FIG. 61 taken along line 63-63;

FIG. 64 shows a partial exploded perspective view of the dispensingapplicator similar to the one shown in FIG. 59, but without the flatgrip region on the tube handle and an alternative embodiment for thedistal end of the handle;

FIG. 65 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the dispensingapplicator shown in FIG. 64 taken along the line 65-65;

FIGS. 66A and 66B shows a partial perspective view of the dispensingapplicator according to an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention further depicting a second alternative set of applicator headfins;

FIGS. 67A and 67B shows a partial perspective view of the dispensingapplicator according to an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention further depicting a second alternative set of applicator headfins; and

FIGS. 68A and 68B shows a partial perspective view of the dispensingapplicator according to an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention further depicting a third alternative set of applicator headfins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present inventionis disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems, compositions andoperating structures in accordance with the present invention may beembodied in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, forms and modes, some ofwhich may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment.Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed toafford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide abasis for the claims herein which define the scope of the presentinvention.

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of theinvention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawingsand the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. Thedrawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. Forpurposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such astop, bottom, up, down, over, above, below, etc., or motional terms, suchas forward, back, sideways, transverse, etc. may be used with respect tothe drawings. These and similar directional terms should not beconstrued to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, illustrate adispensing applicator according to a first embodiment of the dispensingapplicator according to the present invention generally indicated asreference numeral 1. Dispensing applicator 1 comprises an absorbentapplicator member 8, a fluid source 10, and an applicator tip 15.Absorbent member 8 may be of any suitable shape, such as cubic,cylindrical, conical, or wedge-like, and may comprise any suitableabsorbent material, such as cotton or sponge. Fluid source 10, orhandle, may have any suitable shape. As shown in FIG. 1, fluid source 10is preferably a hollow, generally cylindrical body. The end of fluidsource body located adjacent to absorbent member 8 is preferably sealedthereto at a joint or seam 30, such as by heat sealing, to enclose thefluid substance contained within fluid source body 10. Applicator tip 15comprises an attachment member 17 and tongue member 18 joined thereto bya tapered frangible region or juncture 19.

Tongue member 18 is preferably a flat and broad shape that extends adistance into absorbent member 8, such that tongue member 18 is longerthan it is wide (see FIGS. 4A to 4D). It should be noted that theattachment member 17 is relatively thick adjacent the fluid source body10, and tapers toward frangible juncture 19. Absorbent member 8 ispreferably connected to attachment member 17 and/or fluid source body10.

The manner of utilizing dispensing applicator 1 will be self-evident,and simply involves holding the dispensing applicator 1 with theabsorbent application member 8 against an application surface.Dispensing applicator 1 is held such that tongue member 18 is at anacute angle (i.e., substantially parallel) to the application surface.Sufficient downward pressure of tongue member 18 against the applicationsurface will deflect tongue member 18 from the central axis c (see FIGS.2, 4A, 5A) of the fluid source body 10. At a pre-determined amount ofdeflection, the frangible juncture 19 will fracture or break proximatethe intersection thereof but will not separate. Fracture of thefrangible juncture 19 will desirably be achieved by the application ofapproximately 0.25 to 5 pounds of force of tongue member 18 against theapplication surface and will cause opening for fluid flow proximatejunctures or apertures 12 as will be discussed more fully below.

Referring still to FIG. 1, a dip mold process may be used to make sourcebody 10, applicator tip 15, or both. The dip molding process begins withpreheating of a male mold made from a material having relatively highheat capacity and coefficient of thermal conductivity. This heated moldis then placed in a fluidized bed of meltable particulate resinousmaterial for a time needed to provide a coating of a desired thickness.The mold with melted resinous material is then removed from thefluidized bed, heated a second time and cooled. Finally the tubecomponent is stripped from the mold.

As noted above, it is important for the proper functioning of theapplicator that the tube be fabricated from a material that issufficiently rigid to enable manual fracture of the frangible endportion. If the material is too flexible, deflection of the stem willnot produce the desired result. On the other hand, if the material isexcessively rigid and brittle, the possibility of an inadvertentfracture will exist, and compression of the body portion to promote flowwould be precluded due to the likelihood of cracking, or simply becauseexcess force is required. A variety of synthetic resinous materials maybe utilized, the selection of which will be evident to those skilled inthe art. The resin must have a sufficiently low melt viscosity to permitcoverage of all mold surfaces, and it must produce a nonporous andpinhole-free structure. The polymer will normally be a thermoplastic,and exemplary materials include polypropylene, high densitypolyethylene, rigid polyvinyl chloride and nylon.

The tongue member of the applicator tip will preferably be elongated tofacilitate attachment thereof to the absorbent member 8. However, it isnot essential that the tongue member 18 be of any specific shape and,for example, may be rectangular or cylindrical. Regardless of the shapeof tongue member 18, it is essential that suitable reinforcing ribs, asdescribed hereinabove, be included to prevent unintentional breaking orseparation of frangible portion 19. Moreover, the shape of tongue member18 will dictate the shape of the orifice formed in applicator tip 15where the tongue member 18 is fractured for fluid release. Accordingly,the flow rate and overall amount of fluid applied to an applicationsurface by dispensing applicator 1 is a function of several factors,including the shape and strength of tongue member 18 (and the resultingorifice), the porosity of absorbent member 8, the density of the fluid,and the force employed by the user when breaking frangible portion 19and pressing absorbent member 8 against the application surface.Determining the optimal flow rate for a given application is well withinthe ability of one skilled in the art and, therefore, will not beelaborated upon herein.

As stated above, the porous member may be made of any suitablematerial(s), most notably open cell, soft, and pliant sponge-like foam,that may be, for example, a polyurethane composition. The choice ofmaterial will depend largely upon the particular application and thecharacteristics of tongue member 18 and the fluid held in source body10.

In its normal form, source body 10 will be of circular cross-section.However, other shapes are also believed to be feasible. The source body10 may have a square, triangular, or rectangular cross-section, and theshape may indeed be asymmetrical in cross section and of dissimilarshapes at different points along its length. It will be appreciatedtherefore that, as used herein the term “diameter” is to be construed ina broad sense, so as to be applicable to non-circular elementscorresponding to those shown, and to refer to the maximumcross-sectional dimension of the element. Although normally completelyhollow, the source body 10 may include appropriate reinforcementelements, such as internal support pillars, to provide adequate overallstrength and rigidity, while permitting the source body 10 to have athinner than would otherwise be possible. Likewise, source body 10 mayinclude a solid portion, for example, to be gripped while breakingfrangible portion 19, so that source body 10 will not be prematurelycompressed or squeezed, which might result in too much fluid flowing tooquickly into absorbent member 8.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, breaking frangible juncture 19 will resultin the formation of one or more apertures 12 through which fluid fromsource body 10 may flow into absorbent member 8 (not shown, but fluidflow is shown from apertures 12), such that tongue portion 18 may remainflexibly fixed to frangible juncture member 19 and is preferablyprohibited from separation. In other words, fracture of the regionproximate apertures is required, but tongue portion 18 remains flexiblyjoined along a hinge line and is strengthened by rib members 31, as willbe discussed.

In its most preferable form, all portions of the source body 10 willhave a wall thickness that is substantially uniform at a value of about0.005 inch to about 0.025 inch (about 0.127 mm to about 0.635 mm), butmay become thinner proximate regions 12 to urge ready fracture. Thesource body 10 is preferably made of polypropylene having a density of0.897 g/cm2 and a flexural modulus of about 150 Kpsi (about 1035 MPa),as determined by ASTM method 790B. The source body 10 is preferablyabout 6 inches to about 10 inches in overall length, and about 0.25 toabout 1.0 inches in diameter, so as to be convenient to grasp and stillcontain sufficient fluid for a single application.

The applicator tip 15 is about 1 to 3 inches long, and about 0.325inches in diameter. The frangible juncture 19 will preferably have athickness of about 0.0005 inch to about 0.002 inch (about 0.013 mm toabout 0.050 mm). The one or more apertures 12, which are produced by thefracture of frangible juncture 19, but not the separation of tonguemember 18, may be of any suitable size, but preferably have a width andheight that is substantially correlated to the width and thickness oflarge ribs 31, 32 (see FIG. 3).

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3C, tongue member 18 preferably comprises aplurality of reinforcing ribs 31, 32. Due to the reinforcing ribs andthe resultant rigidity of tongue member 18, there will be reduced flexalong the length of tongue 18, and an applied force on tongue member 18will be effectively entirely transferred to and concentrated atfrangible juncture 19 proximate apertures 12. The result will be thereliable fracturing of frangible juncture 19 proximate apertures 12,which fracturing results in the formation of one or more apertures 12 ofsuitable size on the same side as the force application to permit thefluid within the fluid source body 10 to be discharged therefrom anddistributed across a predetermined area of absorbent application member8 (FIG. 1). As noted above, it will generally be desirable for thematerial forming fluid source body 10 to be sufficiently thin to permitsome compression of fluid source body 10, so as to enable discharge of aliquid therein at a faster rate than would otherwise occur, and/or topromote the flow of the fluid, especially if the fluid is relativelyviscous. While in a first use apertures 12 may only fracture along aportion of the aperture directing fluid flow along one side (the forceapplication side) if force is directed in the opposite direction,apertures 12 will fracture along their remaining region, retainingtongue member 18 only by the flexible hinge between apertures 12 andstrengthening ribs 31.

FIG. 4A illustrates a first arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 a. Asshown, tongue 18 a is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 a, atop edge 41 a, and side edges 42 a, 43 a. Bottom edge 40 a issubstantially linear with a central point 45 a and corners 46 a, 47 a atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edge 42 a, 43 a meet. Topedge 41 a is curvilinear with an apex 48 a and corners 49 a, 50 a atwhich the distal ends of respect side edges 42 a, 43 a terminate.Central point 45 a and apex 48 a lie along central axis c. The distancebetween central point 45 a and apex 48 a is the length of tongue 18 a,while the distance between corners 49 a, 50 a is the width of tongue 18a. The thickness 51 a of tongue 18 a is the distance between the top andbottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 a, 43 a each have a respectivelarge rib 31 a, 30 a extending along the entire length thereof. It isnotable that tongue 18 a extends a distance beyond the length of thelarge ribs 31 a, 30 a to apex 48 a, whereby top edge 41 a is notreinforced. Ribs 31 a, 30 a are each about 3 times the thickness oftongue 18 a and about ⅕th the width of tongue 18 a. Small ribs 32 aredisposed directly adjacent to their respective large rib 31 a, 30 a onthe side thereof that is proximate to central axis c. Each small rib 32extends from bottom edge 40 a for a distance that is about 3/10th thelength of the large ribs 31 a, 32 a. Each small rib 32 is about 2 timesthe thickness of tongue 18 a and about 1/10th the width of tongue 18 a.

FIG. 4B illustrates a second arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 b. Asshown, tongue 18 b is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 b, atop edge 41 b, and side edges 42 b, 43 b. Bottom edge 40 b issubstantially linear with a central point 45 b and corners 46 b, 47 b atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edge 42 b, 43 b meet. Topedge 41 b is curvilinear with an apex 48 b and corners 49 b, 50 b atwhich the distal ends of respect side edges 42 b, 43 b terminate.Central point 45 b and apex 48 b lie along central axis c (see FIGS. 2,4A). The distance between central point 45 b and apex 48 b is the lengthof tongue 18 b, while the distance between corners 49 b, 50 b is thewidth of tongue 18 b. The thickness 51 b of tongue 18 b is the distancebetween the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 b, 43 b eachhas a respective large rib 31 b, 32 b extending along the entire lengththereof. Large ribs 31 b are each about 3 times the thickness of tongue18 b and about ⅕th the width of tongue 18 b. Small half-ribs 33 b, 34 bare disposed directly adjacent to their respective large ribs 31 b onthe sides thereof that are proximate to central axis c. A small rib 35 bis disposed along central axis c. Each small half-rib 33 b, 34 b extendsfrom bottom edge 40 b a distance that is about 3/10 the length of thelarge ribs 31 b. Each small half-rib 33 b, 34 b is about 2 times thethickness of tongue 18 b and about 1/20th the width of tongue 18 b. Thesmall rib 35 b extends from bottom edge 40 b a distance that is about3/10 the length of the large ribs 31 b. The small rib 35 b is about 2times the thickness of tongue 18 b and about 1/10th the width of tongue18 b.

FIG. 4C illustrates a third arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 c. Asshown, tongue 18 c is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 c, atop edge 41 c, and side edges 42 c, 43 c. Bottom edge 40 c issubstantially linear with a central point 45 c and corners 46 c, 47 c atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edge 42 c, 43 c meet. Topedge 41 c is curvilinear with an apex 48 c and corners 49 c, 50 c atwhich the distal ends of respect side edges 42 c, 43 c terminate.Central point 45 c and apex 48 c lie along central axis c (see FIGS. 2,4A). The distance between central point 45 c and apex 48 c is the lengthof tongue 18 c, while the distance between corners 49 c, 50 c is thewidth of tongue 18 c. The thickness 51 c of tongue 18 c is the distancebetween the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 c, 43 c eachhas a respective large rib 31 c, 32 c extending along the entire lengththereof. Large ribs 31 c, 32 c are each about 3 times the thickness oftongue 18 c and about ⅕th the width of tongue 18 c. A small rib 35 c isdisposed along central axis c. The small rib 35 c extends from bottomedge 40 c a distance that is about 3/10 the length of the large ribs 31.The small rib 35 c is about 2 times the thickness of tongue 18 c andabout 1/10th the width of tongue 18 c.

FIG. 4D illustrates a fourth arrangement of ribs for a tongue 18 d. Asshown, tongue 18 d is rectilinear in shape with a bottom edge 40 d, atop edge 41 d, and side edges 42 d, 43 d. Bottom edge 40 d issubstantially linear with a central point 45 d and corners 46 d, 47 d atwhich the proximate ends of respective side edge 42 d, 43 d meet. Topedge 41 d is curvilinear with an apex 48 d and corners 49 d, 50 d atwhich the distal ends of respect side edges 42 d, 43 d terminate.Central point 45 d and apex 48 d both lie along central axis c (seeFIGS. 2, 4A). The distance between central point 45 d and apex 48 d isthe length of tongue 18 d, while the distance between corners 49 d, 50 dis the width of tongue 18 d. The thickness 51 d of tongue 18 d is thedistance between the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Side edges 42 d,43 d each has a respective large rib 31 d, 32 d extending along theentire length thereof. Large ribs 31 d, 32 d are each about 3 times thethickness of tongue 18 d and about ⅕th the width of tongue 18 d. Spacedapart from each large rib 31 d, 32 d is a respective small rib 33 d, 34d. The small ribs 33 d, 34 d are preferably, but not necessarily, spacedapart from each other and evenly spaced from central axis c. The smallribs 33 d, 34 d are closer to central axis c than to their respectivelarge ribs 31 d, 32 d. The small ribs 33 d, 34 d extend from bottom edge40 b a distance that is about 3/10 the length of the large ribs 31 d, 32d. The small ribs 33 d, 34 d are about 2 times the thickness of tongue18 b and about 1/10th the width of tongue 18 b. Each small rib 33 d, 34d is preferably spaced apart from the central axis c by a distance thatis approximately equal to its respective width. The small ribs 33 d, 34d are spaced apart from each other by a distance that is approximatelyequal to 2 times the width of either small rib 33 d or 34 d. Each smallrib 33 d, 34 d is preferably spaced apart from its respective large rib31 d, 32 d by a distance that is approximately equal to 2 times itsrespective width, but other distances may be utilized.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a second dispensing applicator 100 accordingto the present invention. Dispensing applicator 100 comprises anapplicator head 108, a source of fluid, which is shown as a hollow,generally cylindrical body 110, and an applicator tip 115, which has anattachment member 117 and tongue member 118 joined thereto by a taperedfrangible juncture member 119 having fracture sites as noted above at 12(see FIG. 3C). Fluid source body 110 and applicator tip 115 arerespectively identical in form and function to fluid source body 10 andapplicator tip 15 described hereinabove in reference to FIGS. 1 through4D.

In addition, dispensing applicator member 100 is provided with anabsorbent swab member 201, and an inwardly projecting ridge-shapedmember 215 provided within body 110. A portion of body 110 is adapted tohold and/or support absorbent applicator member 105. As shown, absorbentapplicator member 105 is held and supported on a surface 106. Surface106 is provided with at least one aperture 107, such that the fluid mayflow from the interior of body 110 into absorbent applicator member 105,as discussed in further detail herein below. Furthermore, a portion ofbody 110 is adapted to hold and/or support absorbent swab member 210.

As shown, absorbent swab member 210 is held and supported on a surface203 that is connected to body 110 by a stock member 204. Absorbent swabmember 210 is preferably not in fluid communication with the interior ofbody 110. Outer surface 201 of absorbent applicator member 105 isoriented relative to body 200 such that, when absorbent applicatormember 105 is substantially parallel to an application surface (i.e., incontact with the application surface), the central axis c of body 110forms an angle of about 45° with the application surface, which angleprovides a comfortable grip for the user and facilitates the flow offluid through the interior of body 110 into absorbent application member105. Similarly, absorbent applicator member 105 of absorbent swab member210 is oriented relative to body 200, such that, when absorbent swabmember 210 is substantially parallel to an application surface (i.e., incontact with the application surface), the central axis c of body 200forms an angle of about 30° with the application surface, which angleprovides a comfortable grip for the user and allows the user to spreadthe applied fluid over a relatively large area with relatively less armmovement and/or extension.

The manner of utilizing dispensing applicator 100 involves holding thedispensing applicator 100 with the absorbent application member 105against an application surface. Downward pressure of applicator 100against the application surface will displace head 108 upwardly andforce ridge-shaped member 215 into contact with tongue member 118.Sufficient upward pressure of ridge-shaped member 215 against tonguemember 118 will upwardly deflect the tongue member 118 from the centralaxis c of the fluid source body 110. At a predetermined amount ofdeflection, the frangible juncture 119 will fracture or break atapertures 12 (see FIG. 3C), but not along the entire hinge region or atstrengthening ribs (not shown) preventing unintended separation.Fracture of the frangible juncture 119 will desirably be achieved by theapplication of approximately 0.25 to 5 pounds of downward force ofapplicator 100 against the application surface. Breaking frangiblejuncture 119 will result fluid from fluid source body 110 flowing intohead 108 via apertures 12 (not shown, but noted in FIGS. 3A-3C).Comparable to breaking frangible region 19 of applicator tip 15, asdiscussed herein above in reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C, breakingfrangible region 119 of applicator tip 115 results in the formation ofone or more apertures in applicator tip 115 through which fluid fromsource body 110 may flow into head 108 without the unintended separationof the tip member 115. Thus, in general, applicator tip 15 is comparablein form and structure to applicator tip 115.

Absorbent swab member 210 may be employed for a variety of purposes.Swab 210 may be used to spread a fluid over the application surfaceafter the application member 105 initially applies the fluid. Using swab210 in this way would be particularly advantageous if the amount offluid that is desired to cover a relatively large surface area has beeninadvertently applied to a relatively small area, which may occur ifapplication member 105 becomes over-saturated with fluid and can nolonger effectively regulate the flow rate and amount of fluid beingapplied. Moreover, swab member 210 may be used to soak up fluid on theapplication surface, for example, when an excess of fluid has beenapplied or the fluid has been applied over the wrong area.

As stated above, absorbent swab member 210 is preferably not in fluidcommunication with the interior of body 200. However, a possible use forswab 210 is applying fluid to a second surface area that is separate andapart from the surface area over which used absorbent application member105. In the critical interest of avoiding cross-contamination, it isdesirable to use the application member 105 over only a singlecontiguous surface area that should be relatively limited (e.g., theupper front of the torso, instead of the entire front of the torso).Accordingly, after an initial application, any additional fluid in agiven dispensing applicator may go wastefully unutilized. Therefore, inanother embodiment of absorbent applicator head 108, there is providedat least one aperture (not shown) in surface 203, such that fluid mayflow from the interior of body 200 into absorbent swab member 210.

Head 108 may be detachable from fluid body 110. Fluid body 110 maycontain an amount of fluid that is greater than is necessary for a givenapplication. Accordingly, after an initial application, any additionalfluid in a given dispensing applicator may go wastefully unutilized.Therefore, in another embodiment of applicator 100, fluid body 110 isremovably attached to head 108 so that head 108 may be disposed ofseparately from fluid body 110. If fluid body 110 contains residualfluid after an initial application, other absorbent head may be attachedto fluid body 110, thereby allowing the residual fluid to be applied toanother application surface.

Referring to FIG. 6, as stated above, it is desirous to avoidcross-contamination by using a given absorbent applicator over only asingle contiguous, relatively limited, surface area. Yet, using a givenabsorbent application in such a manner will often result in an amount offluid therein being wasted. Accordingly, a dispensing applicatoraccording to the present invention, generally indicated as referencenumeral 300, may be provided with a relatively larger, multi-sidedabsorbent applicator member 308, such that different sides thereof maybe used on different surface areas.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown an applicator tip having asemi-permeable or non-permeable cover 400 substantially surroundingfrangible juncture 19. The purpose of cover 440 is to control the speedand direction of the dispersion of fluid in a surrounding absorbentmember (not shown). Preferably, a rearward edge 401 of cover 400 will beattached to applicator tip 15. More preferably, rearward edge 401 willbe fully sealed around applicator tip 15 without gaps or holes so thatfluid may not flow rearward under edge 401. If cover 400 issemi-permeable adjacent to rearward edge 401, fluid may flow rearwardthrough cover 400, but preferably will not flow rearward under edge 401given the more preferable fully sealed attachment thereof to applicatortip 15. In contrast, a forward or distal edge 402 of cover 400 ispreferably free and unattached to applicator tip 15 so that fluid mayflow forward under cover 400 substantially without being impededthereby.

Preferably, cover 400 is formed as a seamless, unitary cylindricalsleeve (e.g., having a circular, square, or rectangular cross-section).Nonetheless, cover 400 may be of any suitable shape and construction.Depending upon its intended function, cover 400 may be semi-permeable orimpermeable to fluid. Cover 400 may be made of various materials,including natural and/or synthetic rubbers, thermoplastics (e.g.,polyethylene), cellulosic materials or similar fibers (i.e., naturalpolymeric fibers), and metallic materials. Cover 400 may be a contiguoussheet, a mesh, a felt, or another suitable form, with or withoutreinforcing fibers and/or seams (i.e., “rip-stop” seams). Alsopreferably, cover 400 is pliable and flexible so that it does not impededeflection of tongue member 18. In other words, it is preferable thatcover 400 does not hinder the breaking of frangible juncture 19.

However, surrounding frangible juncture 19 with a cover 400 havingsuitable thickness and/or stiffness will provide a level ofreinforcement that prevents inadvertent breaking of frangible juncture19. Accordingly, by employing a suitable thick and/or stiff cover 400,tongue member 18 may be provided without reinforcing ribs. Thus,employing cover 400 to reinforce frangible juncture 19 willadvantageously simplify production of application tip 15, since tonguemember 18 may be molded as a simple flat extension.

Controlling a rate of dispensing fluid is critical because a) oversaturation of the absorbent member reduces the collecting capability ofthis member, and b) back flow of the delivered fluid from the distal endtowards the proximal end of the absorbent member interferes with thephysician's work. Accordingly, FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodimentof the invention directed to a dispensing applicator 350 which isconfigured to prevent fluid from uncontrollably entering an attachmentmember 354 that is coupled to tip 15. At least one, but preferably amultiplicity of capillary vessels 352 is provided within the attachmentmember. Being in fluid communication with a source body 360, vessels352, by virtue of their cross-section, meter an amount of fluidpenetrating into the absorbent member (not shown). Thus, a combinationof the openings, which are formed as a result of breaking frangibleregion 19 and vessels 352, effectively limits oversaturation of theabsorbent member.

Still another embodiment of a dispensing applicator 450 is illustratedin FIG. 9. As shown, applicator 450 does not have a frangible structureor region. Instead, an attachment member 452 is provided with at leastone or more capillary vessels 454 controllably traversed by fluid fromfluid source 464. Vessels 454 project into an applicator tip 465 whilepenetrating a proximal end of an absorbent member 456. The cross-sectionof the vessels is selected to provide a metered delivery of fluid.

However, absorbent member 456 can still accumulate an excessive amountof fluid, which will eventually result in a backflow towards theproximal end of the absorbent member and subsequent voluntary evacuationof fluid via this end. To limit or minimize such a possibility,applicator 450 has a flow limiting component or cover 458. Formed withinabsorbent member 456 and, preferably, sealed to the proximal endthereof, cover 458 is able to collect fluid flowing towards the proximalend of absorbent member 456 and, thus, prevents uncontrollableevacuation of accumulated fluid.

As illustrated, cover 458 is provided with a body having a pair ofconcave sides 460 whose free or distal ends are spaced from one anotherat a distance that defines an open exit/entrance for fluid. The bottomportions 464 of cover 458 extend complementary to converging flanks 466of attachment member 452. Stability of an applicator tip 465 is added byproviding the distal end of attachment member 452 with a rib 470. Notethat cover 458 does not completely prevent backflow of fluid leaving aspace within the absorbent member which is sufficient to amply, but notexcessively, wet the surfaces of this member.

A further embodiment of dispensing applicator 479 is illustrated inFIGS. 10A and 10B. Applicator 479 has a frangible region 19 structuredsubstantially similar to the like configured regions which are discussedin detail above. To prevent uncontrollable evacuation of fluid via aproximal end 474 of an absorbent member 476, applicator 479 has a cover472 functioning similarly to cover 458 of FIG. 9. However, cover 472 isconfigured with a pair of rectilinear flanks 478 and a bottom portion480 that extends parallel to a flat distal end of attachment member 17.Cover 472 may also be cone-like. The applicator 479 is formed byinserting cover 472 into and sealing it to the interior of absorbentmember 476. The bottom portion 480 lies preferably flush with theproximal end of the absorbent member and is sealingly attached tofrangible region 19.

Embodiments of a dispensing applicator 490 illustrated in FIGS. 11A and11B are conceptually close to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A and5B and include an applicator head 492 which is formed with an absorbentmember 494 and a swab member 496. The absorbent and swab members have acenter axes A-A and B-B, respectively, which intersect one anotherforming an angle of about 80-100o.

The difference between the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B and the one inFIGS. 11A and 11B includes utilization of one or more capillary vessels498 provided instead of the frangible region. While, swab member 496 ofFIG. 11A is prevented from fluid communication with an interior of afluid source body, swab member 496 of FIG. 11B is traversed by acapillary tube 499 and has an inner surface 497 in fluid communicationwith the interior via an opening 495, for the reasons explained above inreference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Another embodiment of the dispenser is depicted in FIGS. 12-27. Withreference to those Figures, dispensing applicator 60 comprises amounting block 66 having a base piece 61, a bottom side skirt part 62 towhich is affixed an absorbent sponge type applicator 63, and a tem piece64 upstanding from base piece 61. An absorbent swab 65 is carried at anadjacent side of the mounting block 66, for which purpose the mountingblock 66 includes a mounting bracket 67 (depicted to advantage in FIG.18) receptive of a skirt piece 68 to which swab 65 is affixed. Stempiece 64 is preferably a tubular component and its interior space is incommunication with the interior space 69 of base piece 61 (see FIG. 21),the last mentioned space outletting to absorbent applicator 63 so that aflow course in the mounting block 66 has inlet in the stem piece 64 andoutlet at applicator 63. An elongated fluid container 70 is attachableto the mounting block, an end of the container being received in stempiece 64.

Referring in more detail to FIGS. 12-17, container 70 which is oftubular configuration is capped at a first end as at 71. At a distalopposite end length, an attachment number 72 has a length portion, as at73, received inside the container; and, the length portion is affixed tothe container as, for example, by heat sealing. The length portion has aflange 80 thereon and a continuing length portion 73 a constituting afrangible section, this section transitions into a tongue element, 74.The juncture of the tongue element 74 and the continuing length portion73 a defines a weakened joinder location at which the fracture and atleast partial separation of the tongue element from the frangiblesection will occur, enabling outletting of fluid from container 70.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, depicted is one embodiment of a fractureanvil 76. The fracture anvil has a cruciform passage 77 extendingtherethrough, as well as a number of fluid pass-through passages 78 forenabling fluid released on fracture to flow toward absorbent applicator63. When the second opposite end of the container 70 is inserted intothe stem piece 64, the tongue element is aligned such that it will enterand locate in the cross passage part 77 a of cruciform passage 77, thefracture anvil having been inserted in the bore 72 of the stem piece.The second opposite end of the container 70 is snap fit connected to thestem piece 64. The arrangement is such that with flange 80 received inannular internal groove or slot 154 in the stem piece (see FIG. 21), thetongue element 74 is properly positioned in cross passage part 77 a foreffecting fracture.

External dimensioning of the annular flange 80 and internal groove 154is such that the container 70 can be rotated relative to the fractureanvil while the fracture anvil is held. This approximately ninety degreerotation of the container is effective to twist the tongue element 74 atthe weakened joinder location with length portion 73 a, fracturing itand effecting at least partial separation from length portion 73 a. Withthis fracture, fluid releases from the container into the mounting blockthrough course. FIGS. 21-22 and FIGS. 23-24 show, respectively, pre andpost-fracture orientations of length portion 73 a.

Looking at FIG. 25, shown is how fluid outlets the container in streamsfrom apertures 83 at the fracture site of tongue element 74 and lengthportion 73 a, the apertures 83 being shown in FIG. 15 as well. Likewise,FIG. 26 shows the pattern of fluid flow to and distributed throughoutthe absorbent applicator 63, which distribution is promoted by thepassages 84 formed in the applicator 63. In FIG. 27 illustrated is theorientation of the dispenser 60 when, e.g., it is desired to swab alarge patient area, spreading out the quantity of fluid applied to thepatient with absorbent swab 65. And, in FIG. 28 depicted is anembodiment of dispensing applicator 60-2, which is identical with theFIG. 13 applicator 60 except wherein fracture anvil 76-1 is embodied asa truncated cylinder. The anvil 76-1 shown in more detail in FIGS. 32and 35 is provided with a flat inclined top face 132, and with a flatchord face 177 at the cylindrical periphery thereof and extendingbetween top face 132 and a bottom face 179. With the anvil 76-1 receivedin stem piece 64 as shown in FIGS. 35-37, flat chord face 177 isdisposed spaced from the cylindrical inner surface of the stem piece 64and therewith defines a flow channel along which fluid contents ofcontainer 70 can flow from interior space 99 of the stem piece 64 to theinterior space 69 of base piece 61.

Referring to FIGS. 35-37, explanation of fracturing for fluid flow (butnot separation) of the frangible weakened joint at which the tongueelement 74 is connected to the frangible length part 73 a is now given.The circular inner surface of the stem piece 64 is shouldered orprovided with a stop as at 139 to hold the fracture anvil 76-1 (FIG. 32)in stopped position so it cannot move lower in the stem piece passage.When the applicator is to be used, a fluid container 70 will be insertedinto the stem piece 64, tongue element 74 first. The tip end of thetongue element 74 will in course of insertion travel strike against theinclined top face 132 of the fracture anvil 76-1 in consequence of whichthe tongue element 64 will be laterally displaced from the full lineposition thereof in FIG. 35 to the position as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37.That displacement effects rupture (but not separation) of the tongueelement at its joinder location with the frangible region and containerfluid contents are released through orifices 83 (FIG. 15) into the stempiece interior space. It is specifically noted, that in FIG. 31 theseparation is shown only for purposes of visualizing the openingsaccessed by fracture of the frangible regions, and it will be recognizedthat the inner joining region of tongue member 74 remains firmly andsecurely attached to head member 80, and is merely displaced allowing afluid-flow access to the openings noted. Thus, FIG. 31 is forillustrative purposes only and does not reflect a separation.

Additional fracture anvil embodiments are shown in FIGS. 33 and 34. Inthese embodiments, the truncated cylinder anvils 76-2 and 76-3, unlikefracture anvil 76-1, retain their outer surface cylindrical envelopes.Like fracture anvil 76-1, these anvils 76-2 and 76-3 each lave aninclined flat top face 132 and a flat bottom face 179. To provide flowfrom the inclined top face to the flat bottom face side of the fractureanvils, gutter-like flow channels 133 are formed in the cylindricalperiphery of each anvil, these flow channels 133 extending from theinclined top face 132 to the flat bottom face 179. Fracture anvil 76-2has one flow channel or relatively large cross section area, whereas,fracture anvil 76-3 has plural, i.e., three flow-channels each ofsmaller cross section area but in total about the same as the crosssection area of fracture anvil 76-2. The flow channels 133 juxtaposewith the inner encircling periphery of the stem piece and provide ampleartery volume to insure proper fluid flow to the absorbent applicator 63

An important consideration in the dispensing applicator is (a) completefilling of container 70 during manufacture to ensure maximum supply and(b) avoidance of contamination of the fluid contents in the container 70both as to at initial filling of disinfectant and medicaments thereinand as to post filling handling and storage until need to use. It willbe recognized by those of skill in the art, that achieving (a) willeliminate air pockets prior to use that will impact contamination in(b). In this regard and with continuing reference to FIGS. 29 and 30,the container 70 of dispensing applicator 60-2 is provided at its firstor filling end with a capping assembly 240 (as shown) that includes aclosure cap 241 having a central disc part 243 and an axially directedperipheral skirt 242 encircling the outer surface of the container 70 atits first end. The first end tip part of container 70 has a radiallyinwardly directed annular flange 244 defining a central opening 245 (SeeFIG. 30) in the container tip end. A boss 248 projects axially from theinner face of central disc part 243 and with the cap in place on thecontainer first end, the boss 248 will locate a distance through centralopening 245 upon assembly. The capping assembly also includes a, e.g.,foil material gasket 250 constructed from a suitable material which isused to intervene the inner side of the closure cap 241 and the firstend face, i.e., the annular flange 244 outer face of the container 70.

Turning to FIG. 30, shown is a manner of container filling. A fillingline 252 (shown as a tube) in the sterile filling operation environmentdelivers disinfectant or medicament fluid as discussed herein of anysuitable kind through central opening 245 into the container until thereis overflow of fluid at which point the filling is terminated. Gasket250 is then set on top of the outer face of flange 244, the gasket beingof larger area expanse than flange 244 and makes liquid contact forsealing purposes. Further, gasket 250 is selected from materials whichare liquid proof, stretchable or deformable to a certain degree so thatwhen closure cap 241 is fitted over the first end of the containersandwiched between the closure cap inner face and the outer face offlange 244, an air tight joint seal of the container is effected withouta bubble, since the gasket material will conform to the sandwichingstructure in intimate contact therewith. FIG. 29 illustrates thisclearly and employs a formed main tube body 70 having only smalleropening 245. It is also to be noted from FIG. 29 that fluid fills thefirst end of the container 70 and is in air excluding contact with thegasket, and the apparent fluid gap in FIG. 29 is employed only to showdepth of the fluid and not the existence of an unfilled portion of thetube. This arrangement assures absence of any possiblecontaminants-containing air within the container. It is preferred thatthe closure cap 241 once in place be not removable from the container.This can be effected by sonic welding or other attachment means of theclosure cap to the container and optionally of the foil closure itself.If it is thought expedient for any reason, the cap can be removably snapfitted to the container. For example, an annular groove in one of thestructure inner skirt surface and outer surface of the container, and anannular bead on the other of said surfaces will allow removal theclosure cap but only with deliberately intended such action.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 38-40, an alternative constructionis provided at a dispenser system 500 containing a head member 501secured to a dispensing fluid container 502 and surrounded by a foamdispersing member 503 constructed in a manner previously discussed. Asearlier noted, flow shields and flow control devices may be particularlyuseful in preventing unintended fluid release, fluid spill back duringapplication (from buildup within foam dispersing member 503) etc.Similarly, a flexible tip or tongue member 505 is joined withreinforcing members 508 (shown in the first figure) joined to fracturemember 506 on head member 501 so that the fracture about the stressedareas earlier noted (see for example FIG. 3C at 12, the discussion ofFIG. 5A and the related discussions of flexible fracture upon movementof the tongue member while retaining and preventing separation of thetongue member) is directionally out the only side that fractures—thatfacing the application surface as seen by flows in FIG. 39. As aconsequence, fluid flows 510 from the fracture or opening site mayapproach an application surface 511 upon actuation. What is additionallyappreciated here, is that, dual surfaces of foam member 503 issubstantially beneficial for the reasons noted above.

A flexible plastic card 525 is flexibly retained and fixed in foamapplicator head 503 proximate fracture member 506 as shown. Card 525 isformed of a thin, flexible and fluid resistant (impermeable orsemi-permeable) material (like a playing card), and includes preferablya plurality of peripheral protuberances or indentations 526 that engagethe foam or sponge head to prevent lateral or longitudinal shiftingrelative to the fracture location for reasons that will be discussed. Aswill be appreciated, the protuberances 526, spikes, detents or otherstructures or chemical means (such as glue about the perimeter) may beemployed to minimize or prohibit shifting of card shield 525 duringmanufacture or use applications. Preferably, card 525 includes a boundedopening or slot 528 that is approximately 0.25 inches to approximately0.75 inches in height and sufficiently wide to span the full width oftongue member 505 and the connection with fracture member 506 so as toposition itself as shown generally in FIG. 39.

As an adaptive embodiment the fluid exiting slot on the inferior side ofthe sponge extends almost the full width of card 525 for a speedydelivery of fluid while protecting the superior side of the sponge fromunintended fluid dispersal or pooling. As noted earlier, during surgicalpreparation a sterile prep item may not be used again on the samepatient following an initial removal as a consequence, the presentembodiment minimizes loss or waste by preserving a second foam side orsuperior foam side for second use by the same applicator. As aconsequence, as noted in FIG. 39 fluid flow is to the inferior portionof the sponge and directly applies to the contact surface and flowsbetween the contact surface 511 and the surface of card 525 fordistribution without penetrating card 525 to translate to the superiorportion of the sponge. This action retains the superior side of thesponge in a substantially or completely dry condition for later sterileuse (which may be achieved by merely flipping the applicator over to thesuperior side and proceeding as discussed above and demonstrated in thefigures.

Another alternative embodiment of the dispensing applicator inaccordance with the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 41-46. Withreference thereto, FIGS. 41A-C show different views of the alternativeembodiment of a mounting block 550 for a fluid dispensing applicatoraccording to the invention which receives an absorbent applicator 548 ata block bottom side 552. In particular, as shown, the dispensingapplicator comprises a mounting block 550 having a bottom or base piece552, a bottom side skirt part to which is affixed an absorbent spongetype applicator (see FIG. 43), and a stem piece 554 upstanding from basepiece 552. An absorbent swab may optionally be carried at an adjacentside of the mounting block 550 (see FIGS. 5A-B, 11A-B and 12-13), forwhich purpose the mounting block 550 includes a mounting bracket (e.g.,similar to that shown in FIG. 18) receptive of a skirt piece to whichthe absorbent swab is affixed. Optionally, mounting block 550 mayinclude projections 558 to aid in rotating mounting block 550 about theaxis of stem piece 554 as indicated by arrow 556 to cause fracture oftongue 570 and fracture member 564 while tongue 570 is positioned withinfracture anvil 560 (see FIG. 41C). Stem piece 554 is preferably atubular component and its interior space is in communication with theinterior space of base piece 552 (see FIG. 41B), which outlets toabsorbent applicator 548 so that a flow course in the mounting block 550has an inlet in the stem piece 554 and outlet at applicator 548. Anelongated fluid container 574 (see FIG. 43) is attachable to themounting block 550 with an end of the fluid container 574 being receivedin stem piece 554.

Referring in more detail to FIGS. 41A-C and 43-46, fluid container 574which is preferably of a tubular configuration is capped at a first end576 with and end cap assembly, which preferably comprises cap 584, thinfilm or gasket 582, and flange 578 preferably having an opening 580therein. At a distal opposite end length, an attachment member 568 has alength portion received inside the fluid container 574, and the lengthportion being affixed to the fluid container 574 as, for example, byheat sealing or snap fit. The length portion optionally has a flange 572thereon and a continuing length portion constituting a frangible section564, which transitions into a tongue element 570. The juncture of thetongue element 570 and the continuing length portion 564 defines aweakened joinder location at which the fracture and partial separationof the tongue element 570 from the frangible section 564 will occur,enabling the outlet or flow of fluid from fluid container 574 into theinterior space of the mounting block 550 and base piece 552.

Referring now to FIGS. 42A-B, shown is a perspective view of analternate embodiment of a fracture anvil 560 for being removablyinserted in an applicator mounting block 550 of the applicator head, thefracture anvil 560 having a partial cruciform, partial semi-circularpassage 562 for reception of the fluid source container tongue element570, the fracture anvil 560 being employed to effect partial fracture ofthe frangible region 564 and tongue element 570 joinder on a relativerotatable movement between the fluid container 574 and the fractureanvil 560. FIG. 42B shows a cross-section view of the fracture anvil 560taken on the line 42B-42B of FIG. 42A showing that passage 562preferably extends the full length of fracture anvil 560. Referringstill to FIGS. 42A-B, depicted is yet another embodiment of a fractureanvil 560 for use with the dispensing applicator according to theinvention. The fracture anvil 560 shown has a partial cruciform, partialsemi-circular passage 562 extending therethrough, as well as a number ofextension fluid pass-through passages for enabling fluid released uponfracture of the tongue 570 and flow toward absorbent applicator 548.

When the second opposite end of the container 574 is inserted into thestem piece 554, the tongue element 570 is aligned such that it willenter and locate in the vertical cross passage part of partialcruciform, partial semi-circular passage 562, the fracture anvil 560having been inserted in the bore of the stem piece 554. The secondopposite end of the container 574 is snap fit connected to the stempiece 554. The arrangement is such that with flange 572 received isannular internal groove in the stem piece 554 (see e.g., FIG. 21), thetongue element 570 is properly positioned in the vertical cross passage562 part for effecting fracture thereof. External dimensioning of theannular flange and internal groove is such that the container 574 can berotated relative to the fracture anvil 560 while the fracture anvil 560is held in position. This approximately forty-five degree rotation (oreven thirty to sixty degree rotation) of the container 574 is effectiveto twist part of the tongue element 570 at the weakened joinderlocation, fracturing a portion of the tongue 570 and effecting at leastpartial separation from fracture member 564 and thus attachment member568. With this fracture, fluid releases from the container 574 into themounting block 550 through course and to the absorbent applicator 548.

Referring specifically to FIG. 43, shown is an exploded left front sideperspective view of still another embodiment of a dispensing applicatoraccording to the invention wherein a fluid containing source 574 isreceivably attachable to an applicator mounting body stem piece 554 insnap fit connection therewith. Initiation of fluid flow is theneffectuated with a relative rotative movement, as indicated by arrow556, between the fluid source container 574 and a fracture anvil 560(see FIG. 44) in the stem piece 554 of mounting block 550. The first end576 of fluid container 574 has a central opening or bore therethrough. Acapping assembly (i.e., flange 578, foil gasket 580 and end cap 584) isreleasably attached to the opening at end 576. The capping assemblypreferably includes, e.g., foil material gasket 582 constructed from asuitable material which is used to intervene the inner side of theclosure cap 584 and the annular flange 578. The annular flange 578preferably has a bore or opening 580 therethrough for the ease inrefilling the fluid container 574 with fluid without having to removethe flange from the end 576 of the fluid container 574. Gasket 582 ispreferably set on top of the outer face of flange 578, the gasketpreferably being of larger area expanse than flange 578 to make liquidcontact and provide sufficient lateral sealing. Further, gasket 582 ispreferably selected from materials which are liquid proof, stretchableor deformable to a certain degree so that when closure cap 584 is fittedover the first end 576 of the fluid container 574 sandwiched between theinner face of the closure cap 584 and the outer face of the flange 578,an air tight joint seal of the fluid container 574 is effected withoutforming a bubble, since the gasket material will preferably conform tothe sandwiching structure in intimate contact therewith. As seen in FIG.44, which is a cross-section view taken on the line 44-44 in FIG. 43showing relative position of the tongue member 563 within the partialcruciform, partial semi-circular passage 562 of the fracture anvil 560,the fracture anvil 560 may have a number of fluid pass-through passages561 for enabling additional fluid release upon fracture of the tongue570 so as to flow toward absorbent applicator 548 on the base piece 552.

Referring next to FIG. 45, shown is an exploded left front sideperspective view of still another embodiment of a dispensing applicatoraccording to the invention wherein a fluid containing source 574 isreceivably attachable to an applicator mounting body 588 in snap fitconnection therewith. Preferably, initiation of fluid flow is effectedwith a relative rotative movement 556 between the fluid source container574 and a fracture anvil 560 (see FIG. 46) in the mounting body 588, andfurther showing a dye packet assembly 591 having top and bottomdiffusers 596 each preferably with a spiral-like pathway 595 leading toopenings 592 (for passage of the fluid) and a dye tablet 594. Theembodiment of the dispensing applicator of FIG. 5 is similar with theapplicator shown in FIG. 43 except wherein dye packet assembly 591 isprovided in the mounting body 588.

Turning to FIG. 46, shown is a cross-section view taken along the line46-46 of the applicator of FIG. 45 showing the partial cruciform,partial semi-circular passage 562 of the fracture anvil 560. Whenassembled, as shown in FIG. 47, the assembled dispensing applicator ofFIG. 45 is closed at one end with cap 584 and at the other end with theremovable attachment of fluid source 574 into mounting block 550 throughrotatable connector 586. As can be seen in FIG. 48, which shows across-section view of the assembled fluid dispensing applicator takenalong the line 48-48 in FIG. 47, dispensing applicator comprises amounting block 550 having a base piece 552 with an opening or pluralityof openings 599 for passage of the fluid, a bottom side skirt part towhich is affixed an absorbent sponge 548 and a stem piece 554.Optionally, (not shown here, but generally depicted in FIG. 12), anabsorbent swab may be carried at an adjacent side of the mounting block,for which purpose the mounting block 550 includes a mounting bracket(depicted to advantage in FIG. 18) receptive of a skirt piece to whichswab is affixed. Stem piece 554 is preferably a tubular component andits interior space is in communication with the interior space of basepiece 552, which outlets to absorbent applicator 548 so that a flowcourse in the mounting block 550 has inlet in the stem piece 554 andoutlet at absorbent applicator 548. The elongated fluid container 574 isattachable to the mounting block 550, an end of the container 574 beingreceived in stem piece 554.

Referring next to FIGS. 49A-C, shown are, respectively, enlargedperspective, bottom and cross-section (taken along line 49C-49C of FIG.49B) views of a preferred embodiment of a diffuser element 596 for thedye packet assembly 591. Preferably, assembly 591 has upper and lowerdiffusing elements 596 between which a compressed or impregnated dyetablet or disc 594 is positioned (see, e.g., FIG. 53). Each element 596is preferably formed with an inner wall 595 preferably shaped orconfigured in a spiral configuration. As fluid flows into the assembly591 through an opening 592 in the upper element 596 the fluid interactswith the packet, tablet or disc 594 to dissolve the disc into the fluid.Dye tablet or disc 594 is preferably a color dye to color the fluid sothe doctor can see where the fluid (e.g., antiseptic) has been applied,but the tablet 594 may be any other necessary compound to be mixed withthe fluid. After mixing of the fluid and the tablet 594, the coloredfluid mixture flows through the spiral cavity of the lower element 596out of the assembly 591 through a second opening 592 (or plurality ofopenings) in the lower element 596 such that it may flow towarddispensing head 600. Preferably, inner spiral wall 595 configured ineach of the upper and lower elements 596 controls the speed anddirection of the flow of the fluid mixture through assembly 591 from thesource 606 to the dispensing head 600.

Turning next to FIGS. 50-53, shown are an exploded left front sideperspective view and a cross-sectional view (taken along line 51-51 inFIG. 50), respectively, of still another embodiment of a dispensingapplicator according to the invention wherein a fluid containing source606 is receivably attachable to an applicator mounting body stem piece604 in snap fit connection therewith. Initiation of fluid flow iseffected with a relative rotative movement of mounting block 602 using,e.g., projection 622 (as indicated by arrow 620) between the fluidsource container 606 and a fracture anvil 631 in the mounting body. Uponfracture of the tongue 618 from interaction with the fracture anvil 631,fluid is released from the source 606 through openings at the junctureof tongue 618 and stem piece 604 to allow fluid to flow into the innercavity of the mounting block 602. From there, the fluid flows throughopening 624 in the mounting block base plate 626 into or onto thedispensing head or sponge 600 for application to the desired surface. Asseen in FIGS. 52-53, depicted are a side perspective view and across-section view taken along line 53-53 in FIG. 52, respectively, ofthe assembled fluid dispensing applicator shown in FIG. 50. Optionally,as seen in FIG. 53, a dye pack assembly 591 comprising upper and lowerdiffusing elements 596 between which a diffusing packet or disc 594 ispositioned (see, e.g., FIG. 53) may be employed.

A capping assembly (i.e., flange 610, foil gasket 612 and end cap 614)is releasably attached to the opening. The capping assembly preferablyincludes, e.g., foil material gasket 612 constructed from a suitablematerial which is used to intervene the inner side of the closure cap614 and the annular flange 610. A secondary flange 608 may optionally beused to provide added seal between the cap assembly and the container606. The annular flange 610 preferably has a bore or opening 616therethrough for the ease in refilling the fluid container 606 withfluid without having to remove the flange from the end of the fluidcontainer 606. Gasket 612 is preferably set on top of the outer face offlange 610, the gasket 612 preferably being of larger area expanse thanflange 610 to make liquid contact and provide sufficient lateralsealing. Further, gasket 612 is preferably selected from materials whichare liquid proof, stretchable or deformable to a certain degree so thatwhen closure cap 614 is fitted over the first end of the fluid container606 sandwiched between the inner face of the closure cap 614 and theouter face of the flange 610, an air tight joint seal of the fluidcontainer 606 is effected without forming a bubble, since the gasketmaterial will preferably conform to the sandwiching structure inintimate contact therewith.

Turning now to FIGS. 54A-D, shown is still another alternativeembodiment of an assembled dispensing applicator 701 wherein a fluidcontaining source 702 is receivably attachable to an applicator mountingbody stem piece 714 in snap fit connection therewith. Preferably,initiation of fluid flow is effected with a relative downward movementbetween the fluid source container 702 and a fracture member 706connected with the mounting body stem piece 714 such that a tonguemember 704 snaps or fractures to allow fluid to flow therethrough. FIG.54B shows an exploded left front side perspective view of the dispensingapplicator shown in FIG. 54A wherein a fluid containing source 702 isreceivably attachable to an applicator mounting body stem piece 714 insnap fit connection therewith. A securing ring or gasket 708 may beprovided to secure stem piece 714 into or with source 702. Preferablytongue 704 has ribbed or jagged sides to engage with an inner surface ofthe sponge applicator 700 to secure it in place on the dispensingapplicator. Looking at FIG. 54C, shown is a side cross-section view ofthe assembled dispensing applicator of FIG. 54A taken on the line54C-54C, while FIG. 54D shows a front cross-section view of theassembled dispensing applicator of FIG. 54A taken on the line 54D-54D,both showing the internal connections and interfacing of the variouscomponents thereof.

FIGS. 55-57 depict various views of an embodiment of a fluid dispersinghead 700 for use with the fluid dispensing applicator according to theinvention. In particular, FIGS. 56C-D and FIG. 57, which arecross-sectional views of the fluid dispersing head of FIG. 55 taken onthe line 56C-56C in FIG. 56A and line 56D-56D in FIG. 56B, further showthe relative position of an applicator tip member or tongue 704, stempiece 714, and fracture member 706 within the fluid dispersing head 700.Also a plurality of openings 716 within the interface between tongue 704and fracture member 706 may be provided to allow fluid flow therethroughupon fracture.

Next, FIGS. 58A-E depict various views of an alternative embodiment ofan applicator mounting block 750 according to the invention having anopening 758 (e.g., a plurality of openings may also be employed) on oneside for the dispersing of fluid to only one side of a fluid dispensinghead (see, e.g., FIG. 50). That is, FIG. 58B shows no opening 758 onbase plate 754 of the mounting block 750 for dispersing fluid to thefluid dispersing head, while FIG. 58D, showing another side of theapplicator mounting block 750, does depict an opening 758 for dispersingfluid to the fluid dispersing head. Of course, the opening 758 could bepositioned on either or even both base plates 754 of the mounting block750 of the applicator head. Additionally, mounting block 750 has agenerally circular stem piece 762 extending at one end, with the stempiece 762 having one or more projections 756 used for rotating the stempiece 762, as indicated by arrow 764 in FIG. 58D, with respect to thefluid source handle (see e.g., FIG. 50) to effectuate fracture of thetongue element within the inner cavity of the mounting block 750 toallow the flow of fluid therethrough. As seen in FIGS. 58A-E the baseplates 754 preferably comprise jagged or teeth-like side edges 752design to engage an inner cavity or surface of an applicator sponge headto hold it in position without any additional adhesive. Referring toFIG. 58E, shown is a bottom end view of the applicator mounting block750 of FIGS. 58A-D, which depicts the inclusion of a partial cruciform,partial semi-circular fracture anvil 757 discussed in detail above.Initiation of fluid flow is effected with a relative rotative movementof mounting block 750 using, e.g., projection 756 (as indicated by arrow764 in FIG. 58D) between the fluid source container and a fracture anvil757 in the mounting body. Upon fracture of the tongue from interactionwith the fracture anvil 757, fluid is released from the source throughopenings at the juncture of tongue and stem piece 762 to allow fluid toflow into the inner cavity of the mounting block 750. From there, thefluid flows through opening 758 in the mounting block base plate 754into or onto the dispensing head or sponge for application to thedesired surface.

Turning next to FIGS. 59-65 shown is a dispensing applicator 803according to another alternate embodiment of the present invention. Asseen first in FIGS. 59-60, dispensing applicator 803 is preferably asingle, unitary structure formed, for example, by injection molding orother known process. The unitary dispensing applicator 803 preferablycomprises, in general, a fluid containing source region 814, end capregion 822, fracture member region 806, and tongue element 804 allintegrally formed. Preferably, tongue element 804 and fracture memberregion 806 further comprise wings or fins 812 to engage an inner surfaceor cavity of the applicator sponge 800 without need for additionaladhesive.

Optionally, tongue 840 may also comprise outer ribs 808 and/or inner rib810 for added strength and support to prevent inadvertent or prematurefracture of the tongue element 804. To close the end cap region 822 ofthe fluid source region 814, an end cap 820 is provided which preferablyis snap-fit onto the end cap region 822, but may also be screwed on orattached by other known securing methods or devices. Also, fluid sourceregion 814 may also be configured with an indented gripping region 816configured along the length region the fluid source region in such amanner that is substantially parallel with the plane of the tongueelement 804. Also, more than one such gripping region 816 may beprovided.

According to this embodiment, initiation of fluid flow is effected witha relative downward movement between the fluid source region 814 and afracture member region 806 such that a tongue member 804 snaps orfractures to allow fluid to flow therethrough. Preferably an interface815 (see FIGS. 61-62) between fracture member region 806 and fluidsource region 814 is configured with thicknesses sufficiently strongerthan the interface or frangible region 824 (see FIG. 63) between thetongue element 804 and the fracture member region 806. As seen in FIG.60, showing an exploded left front side perspective view of thedispensing applicator shown in FIG. 59, the fluid containing sourceregion 814 is integrally connected with the fracture member region 806and tongue element 804. Preferably tongue 804 and fracture member region806 have wings or fins 812 to engage with an inner surface of the spongeapplicator 800 to secure it in place.

As specifically seen in FIG. 63, which shows a front cross-sectionalview of the dispensing applicator shown in FIG. 61 taken along line63-63, fluid source region 814 comprises inner cavity 826 for housingthe desired fluid (e.g., antiseptic) and fracture member region 806comprises an inner cavity 807 to allow the flow of fluid therethrough.Preferably, a juncture between inner cavity 826 and inner cavity 807 istapered such that there is a tapered region 828 where the diameter ofthe inner cavity reduces in size when proceeding from the fluid sourceregion 814 toward the fracture member region 806. Such tapering allowsfor increased thickness and strength at the interface 815 between thesource region and fracture member region 806. As shown in FIGS. 64-65,fracture member region 806 may be directly connected to an end of thesource region 814 such that no “taper” region 828 is needed. In thisembodiment, inner cavity 826 of source 814 leads directly into innercavity 807 of fracture member region 806, which itself maybe but is notnecessarily, tapered as shown. Such an embodiment also provides stillfurther increased strength at the interface 815 between the sourceregion 814 and the fracture member region 806.

Turning lastly to FIGS. 66-68, illustrated are further alternativeembodiments of the applicator heads having different tongues or fins 804(FIG. 66), 809/811 (FIG. 67), and 813/815 (FIG. 68), each in accordancewith the present invention. First, FIGS. 66A-B show a partialperspective view of a second alternative applicator head fin 804. Inthis embodiment, tongue 804 is the same as shown and described aboveregarding FIGS. 59-65. Lower fin 812, however, is not present. Fins oftongue 804 are sufficient to engage with and hold sponge applicator head800 in place during use. Second, FIGS. 67A-B show a partial perspectiveview of a third alternative set of applicator head tongue 809 and fins811. As compared to FIGS. 59-66, the tongue and fins 809, 811 of thisalternate configuration generally comprise an arced or semi-circulardesign or configuration. Third, FIGS. 68A-B show a partial perspectiveview of a fourth alternative set of applicator head fins 813, 815. Ascompared to FIGS. 59-67, the tongue and fins 813, 815 of this alternateconfiguration generally comprise a somewhat square-shaped tongue element813 with a plurality of curved lower fins 815 on either side of thefracture member region 806. While two such fins 815 are depicted on eachside of fracture member region 806, only one or even more than two suchfins 815 may be used. Of course, other shapes, sizes, configurations,etc. of the fins and/or tongue elements may be used without departingfrom the spirit of the invention.

While the present invention is primarily directed to a dispensingapplicator for the application of liquids to the surface of the head,limbs, and/or body for medical purposes (i.e., pre-surgicaldisinfection), dispensing applicators according to the present inventionmay be used in a wide variety of purposes and environments. For example,a dispensing applicator according to the present invention can be usedfor application of lubricant(s) or adhesive(s). The range of sizes canalso vary widely, as long as the several wall thicknesses are controlledappropriately to afford the desired functional characteristics discussedherein. It should also be appreciated by those of skill in the art thatthe fluid reservoirs, in selected embodiments, are flexibly bounded andallow an operator to control volumetric application based on the amountof pressure applied to the exterior of the reservoir. As a consequenceof this design, it should also be recognized by those of skill in theart, that an operator releasing a compressed reservoirs, may partiallysuction released fluid back into the reservoir and minimize pooling.

In the claims, means or step-plus-function clauses are intended to coverthe structures described or suggested herein as performing the recitedfunction and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt maynot be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction betweena wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw's helical surfacepositively engages the wooden part, and a bolt's head and nut compressopposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening woodenparts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by thoseskilled in the art as equivalent structures.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention with reference to the accompanying drawings sufficientto enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention,and to provide the best mode of practicing the invention presentlycontemplated by the inventor, it is to be understood that suchembodiments are merely exemplary and that the invention is not limitedto those precise embodiments, and that various changes, modifications,and adaptations may be effected therein by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as definedin the appended claims. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are notmutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the invention maycomprise a combination of different individual features selected fromdifferent individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinaryskill in the art. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall bedefined solely by the appended claims.

Further, while there is provided herein a full and complete disclosureof the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired tolimit the invention to the exact construction, dimensionalrelationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications,alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur tothose skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, withoutdeparting from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changesmight involve alternative materials, components, structuralarrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features orthe like, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerouschanges may be made in such details without departing from the spiritand the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that thepresent invention is capable of being embodied in other forms withoutdeparting from its essential characteristics.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispensing applicator comprising a frangibleapplicator tip, said applicator comprising: a substantially rigidunitary body having a substantially cylindrical fluid source region, afracture member region, and a substantially rigid tongue element, saidtongue element extending outwardly from said fracture member region, andwherein said tongue element has a central portion and at least two sideportions; an applicator head comprising a generally triangularcross-section base provided with an inner cavity for receiving at leastsaid tongue element; and a frangible region defined as a region at thejuncture of said fracture member region and said tongue element; whereinfracture of said frangible region allows partial fluid release from saidfracture member region to said applicator head, wherein said tongueelement is provided with one or more reinforcing ribs extending fromsaid fracture member region across said frangible region.
 2. Thedispensing applicator according to claim 1, wherein said side portionsof said tongue element extend outwardly so as to engage with said innercavity of said applicator head.
 3. The dispensing applicator accordingto claim 1, wherein said one or more reinforcing ribs are configured toresist deflection of said tongue.
 4. The dispensing applicator accordingto claim 3, wherein said one or more ribs are non-uniformly dimensionedand have at least two relatively long ribs disposed along each side edgeand at least one pair of relatively short ribs flanking the centralportion.
 5. The dispensing applicator according to claim 1, wherein saidsubstantially cylindrical fluid source region is open at one end,wherein an end cap is positioned thereon to close said open end.
 6. Thedispensing applicator according to claim 5, wherein said end cap issnap-fit onto said open end.
 7. The dispensing applicator according toclaim 5, wherein said end cap is screwed onto said open end.
 8. Thedispensing applicator according to claim 1, wherein said source regionfurther comprises a grip region on an external surface thereof.
 9. Thedispensing applicator according to claim 1, wherein a region betweensaid source region and said fracture member region comprises an innercavity that is tapered in a direction from said source region towardsaid fracture member region.
 10. The dispensing applicator according toclaim 1, wherein said tongue element comprises two said side portions,and said fracture member comprises two said side portions.
 11. Adispensing applicator comprising: a housing body having a central boretherethrough, said housing body comprising a fracture member and anelongated fluid source tube for containing a fluid; a substantiallyrigid tongue element extending outwardly from said fracture member todefine an interface therebetween; a fluid-absorbent member having aproximal end in flow communication with said fluid source tube, and adistal end for dispersing said fluid; and an end cap for closure of anopen end of said fluid source tube; a frangible region defined as aregion at the juncture of said fracture member and said tongue element;wherein upon fracture of said frangible region said flow communicationis provided between said fluid source tube and said fluid-absorbentmember, wherein said housing body and said tongue element are configuredas a unitary structure, and wherein said tongue element is provided withone or more reinforcing ribs extending from said fracture member acrosssaid frangible region.
 12. The dispensing applicator according to claim11, wherein said plurality of reinforcing are configured to resistdeflection of said tongue, and reduce unintentional breaking of saidfrangible region.
 13. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11,wherein said tongue element is provided with side portions that extendoutwardly therefrom to engage with an cavity of said fluid-absorbentmember.
 14. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11, whereinsaid end cap is snap-fit onto said open end.
 15. The dispensingapplicator according to claim 11, wherein said end cap is screwed ontosaid open end.
 16. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11,wherein said fluid-absorbent member is provided with a generallytriangular cross-section base provided with an inner cavity forreceiving at least said tongue element.
 17. The dispensing applicatoraccording to claim 11, wherein said tongue element comprises two sideportions, and said fracture member comprises two side portions.
 18. Thedispensing applicator according to claim 17, wherein said side portionsengage with an inner cavity of said fluid-absorbent member.
 19. Thedispensing applicator according to claim 11, wherein a region betweensaid source tube and said fracture member comprises an inner cavity thatis tapered in a direction from said source tube toward said fracturemember.
 20. The dispensing applicator according to claim 11, whereinsaid fluid source tube further comprises a grip region on an externalsurface thereof.